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Transmission Flushes, An Important Part of Car Maintenance

At LD Automotive, we know that regular car maintenance is important to you, which is why we offer full service auto maintenance, as well as transmission flush service. A transmission flush is the process of flushing out your transmission’s old fluid (which can become contaminated by grime, dirt and sludge) and replacing it with new fluid. Not sure how often to get a transmission flush? Usually, your car only needs a transmission flush every 2 years or 30,000 miles. However, if you notice any of the following problems in you car, you may need another transmission flush as soon as possible.

Note: when done incorrectly, transmission flushes can damage your car. Be sure to have them performed by an experienced car maintenance professional.

Unusual Sounds. If your transmission seems to be grinding or the car is making strange noises, this could mean that you have improper levels of transmission fluid, or it could be a sign that your transmission has become contaminated by dirt, grease and sludge and needs a transmission flush. The easiest way to identify the problem is to check your car’s transmission fluid levels. If the transmission fluid level is off and the fluid is a bright red color, then the problem will probably be fixed by adjusting the car’s transmission fluid level. However, if the transmission fluid level is normal and the fluid is brown or black (caused by grime and sludge), then the strange noises aren’t being caused by low fluid, and you probably need a transmission flush.

Trouble Shifting Gears. Whether it’s an automatic or a manual, your car needs clean transmission fluid to shift gears properly. If your transmission fluid has become stopped up with grease and sludge, it’s probably time to get a transmission flush, because your car (especially if it’s a manual) will begin to have trouble shifting gears, and you’ll notice it shifting either too late or too early.

Slipping Gears. The lack of hydraulic power that contributes to gears slipping can be caused by either a dirty transmission or low transmission fluid. Just as you would when diagnosing strange car noises, check the level of the transmission fluid. If levels are normal, it may be time to get a transmission flush.

Vehicle Surges. Does your car stall after you put it in gear, and/or seem to jump forward or fall backward for no good reason? These problems could be caused by contaminated transmission fluid, and your car may be telling you it’s time for a transmission flush, even if it’s not quite time for your regular car maintenance appointment.

Sometimes it’s not enough to have your transmission flushed during your normal car maintenance. If your car displays any of the symptoms listed above, be sure to bring it to LD Automotive, where we will diagnose and correct the problem to keep your car running well. Stop by or give us a call today!